Leng Family Name#

Family Name: Leng, pronounced as “lěng”

Distribution of the Leng Family Name#

• Jingzhao Commandery: This was the direct jurisdiction of the capital Chang’an, located in the area from present-day Xi’an City in Shaanxi Province to Huaxian County.
• Xincai Commandery: Formerly part of the state of Lü during ancient times. During the Spring and Autumn period, Marquis Ping of Cai moved the capital from Shangcai to Xiacai, which was also known as Xincai. The Han Dynasty established the county of Xincai; during the Sui Dynasty, it was renamed Caizhou. It corresponds to present-day Xincai County in Henan Province.
• Lian’an Commandery: An ancient county name, formerly part of Yuhang County during the Qin Dynasty. It was renamed Lian’an during the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin. This area corresponds to present-day Hangzhou City in Zhejiang Province.

Origins of the Leng Family Name#

There are three theories about the origin of the “Leng” family name:

1. Deriving from the Ji surname: This lineage traces back to Kang Shu, the founder of the state of Wei during the Spring and Autumn period. Kang Shu was granted a fiefdom, which became the basis for his family name. After Kang Shu’s rebellion was quelled, the Zhou dynasty granted him land from the Shang dynasty to establish the state of Wei. Some of his descendants were granted the fiefdom of Lengshui, and they adopted this as their family name.
2. Originating from ancient times based on craftsmanship: It is said that Huangdi (the Yellow Emperor) had a music official named Ling Lun, who invented the ancient Chinese musical system. Ling Lun traveled from the west of Daxia to the north of the Kunlun Mountains and discovered a type of bamboo suitable for making musical instruments. He made twelve bamboo pipes of varying lengths and used them to create the twelve musical scales, known as the “Lü and Lü” scales. These twelve scales form an octave. Ling Lun also created a set of chime bells that harmonized with these scales. His descendants adopted his name as their family name.
3. Spread among ethnic minorities: The Leng family name is also found among various ethnic groups, including the Qiang, Miao, Tujia, Yi, Manchu, Mongolian, and Hui peoples during different dynasties.

Popularity and Distribution#

The Leng family name does not rank among the top 100 most common family names in mainland China or Taiwan.

Legends and Cultural Associations:

• During the time of the Yellow Emperor, a music official named Ling Lun established the ancient Chinese musical system and created a set of chime bells. The Yellow Emperor bestowed upon him the surname “Ling” in recognition of his contributions. Later, the term “Ling” also came to refer to court musicians, which eventually evolved into the meaning “actor.”
• The Leng family has had notable figures in various fields, including politics and art throughout history.

Common Couplets for Leng Family Temples:

• Four-character couplets:
  • “Originating from Xincai; descending from the musicians.” (Alluding to the family’s historical roots in Xincai and their musical heritage.)
  • “The Leng family thrived in Chang’an.” (Referring to the prominence of the Leng family in the Jingzhao region.)
• Five-character couplets:
  • “Brothers both became scholars; famous painters in the Ming and Qing dynasties.” (Referencing the Leng Shiguang and Leng Shixiu brothers as scholars and painters.)
  • “The Leng family’s wisdom outshone others; their integrity was unmatched.” (Highlighting the family’s integrity and wisdom.)

These couplets reflect the cultural significance and historical context of the Leng family name.